Brethren in Christ Historical Society

Better late than never: The Fall 2020 edition of "History Matters" that welcomes John Yeatts as the Society's new president, features reflections by Emerson Lesher on his 15 years as president, and briefly explores race and racism in the Brethren in Christ Church.

The 2020 Sider Institute Study Conference kicked off today on the topic, "Refocusing Our Faith: Re-Examining Brethren in Christ Core Values After 20 Years." Due to the pandemic, the conference is entirely virtual this year! All presentations will appear in printed in the journal next year.

The Historical Society board met last evening--by Zoom, of course. The agenda included the usual reports (editor, executive director, treasurer), discussion of future events (2021 Annual Heritage Service and Annual Meeting), discussion of how to attract younger people to the work of the Society (including a larger digital footprint), and a transition of leadership as Emerson Lesher completes 15 years as president. Watch for more information about this transition in the Fall 2020 edition of "History Matters." Board members present: top row: Ken Hoke, Harriet Sider Bicksler, Emerson Lesher; middle row: John Yeatts, Glen Pierce, Beth Hostetler Mark; bottom row: Hank Johnson, Karen Ulery, Devin Manzullo-Thomas. Absent: John Dietz, David Flowers, Jay Showalter.

The Summer 2020 edition of "History Matters" includes information about our 2020 annual meeting, an award given to one of our historians, Ravi Zacharias's Brethren in Christ connection, and information about a new project called "COVID Chronicles." Check it out.

Did you miss the online Annual Heritage Service on June 7, featuring Dr. John Yeatts speaking about historic Brethren in Christ attitudes toward social engagement and involvement in politics? No problem! It's now available on YouTube (fast forward beyond the five-minute countdown).

2020 Annual Heritage Service Join presenter Dr. John Yeatts, professor emeritus at Messiah College who also teaches the Brethren in Christ History and Values core course, will explore historical attitudes towards participation in politics, a subject relevant as we in the United States anticipate a presidential election in November 2020.